Pure AV equips university centre with suite of AV tech

Pure AV has completed the AV works at Bangor University’s Marine Centre, including the installation of a nine-screen Samsung videowall at the main entrance.

Opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in July 2016, Bangor University’s Marine Centre Wales provides a home for the Centre for Applied Marine Sciences and a collaborative space for researchers, commercial operators and agencies in the Welsh marine sector.

In early 2016, Pure AV was engaged by the University to complete the AV works at the new building; a project that would include the three by three videowall in the entrance area and a seminar room with dual projection screens and videoconferencing facilities.

The university wanted a solution that would be straightforward to use and maintain. The user control needed to replicate systems already in place within the wider University estate and the seminar room adaptable for use as a single room or two smaller teaching spaces. The videowall, situated within a glass-fronted atrium, needed to deliver bright, high-quality images that would create a strong first impression on visitors to the building. It is utilised to support student recruitment, provide a showcase for research and act as a notice board for activity and upcoming events.

Pure AV selected OneLan signage, and nine Samsung UD55D screens mounted on Peerless SMARTMount DS-VW765-LQR brackets to create a high definition canvas on which to display the university generated content.

The material displayed on the videowall is changed regularly and the OneLan system providing a straightforward way for university staff to add and schedule different material.

Graham Worley, research IT manager at the College of Natural Sciences commented: “I admit I was initially concerned about having sufficient content to display on the videowall, but, engagement with the system has exceeded all expectations. Content is regularly contributed by academic staff all keen to create and share footage relating to their field of research.”

The seminar room on the top floor of the building offers presentation and videoconferencing facilities and provides the university with an important tool to facilitate its multi-institutional research and work in collaboration with industry. The two Epson EB-G6570WU projectors can be used in tandem to ensure good visibility throughout the room when used as a single space or operated independently when the area is configured as two separate rooms. The AMX control system replicates that used throughout the university and provides familiarity for room users. Videoconferencing is booked and managed through the Welsh Video Network and delivered through a Polycom RPG 500-750 Eagle Eye III VC system. Sennheiser microphones and Extron speakers provide audio and voice reinforcement within the seminar room.

Graham Worley added: “The seminar rooms are in high demand and support the work of our experts here as they provide advice to agencies and governments on sustainable fisheries and the protection of the marine environment, as far afield as the Arabian Gulf the Indian and Arctic Oceans. The Marine Centre installation completed by Pure AV is an example of a well-designed project, efficiently delivered. Almost 18 months on from installation the system continues to perform to expectations and fully support our objectives.”